Tyrrell hits 200 games with Bomaderry Tigers

Win in first and second grades for Bomaderry Tigers as Brent Tyrrell celebrates 200 games.

CLUB MAN: Bomaderry Tigers player Brent Tyrrell against Figtree Kangaroos on his way to 200 games with the club.

LAST Saturday saw the McDonald’s Family Restaurant/Amazing Dental sponsored first grade Tigers take on Shellharbour at Myimbarr Oval in what turned out to be a close and hard fought victory for the Tigers.

With a strong wind blowing across the field, Shellharbour made the most of their opportunities in the first term kicking three goals while the Tigers could only manage two despite having the ball in their half for much of the quarter. Bomaderry probably did not help their cause by giving away a 50 metre penalty that resulted in a gift goal.

The second quarter saw the Tigers tighten the screws and wrestle back the lead thanks to some outstanding defence by Cameron Cullen, Sam Dunell and Matthew Wyles.

Brent Tyrrell was giving the team first use of the ball in the ruck duels which enabled Sean Byrne, Liam Arnold, Jack Hangan and the likes to win the ball at the stoppages and give the forwards a chance.

Matt Bryce, Mark Hart and Jimmy Nicoll were providing plenty of run and picking up a heap of possessions to be among the Tigers’ best, whilst up forward, Brent Herdman, James Lees and Matt Ganderton were presenting well and creating plenty of opportunities despite the difficult conditions.

The third quarter was again tough with a late goal to Bomaderry giving them a 16-point lead at the final break.

Unfortunately the Tigers failed to capitalise in front of goal with their three attempts in the final term, before Matt Bryce snapped truly to give the boys a four goal buffer and what must have looked like an unbeatable lead.

However the Suns obviously had other ideas, kicking four late goals to give Bomaderry a few nervous moments in what was an exciting finish to an entertaining and fairly physical game.

Special mention to Brent Tyrrell, who played his 200th game for the Tigers on Saturday, to become only the fifth person at Bomaderry to have achieved such a milestone.

The club also thanks Toby Craig and Pauly Stevenson for doubling up, and Blake and Jason for sticking around and helping run water and deliver messages.

With the reserve grade Tigers having played little football of late and the conditions not that flash, they were a little unsure as to how the team would go, albeit against a side that has not had a win yet.

The first quarter was fairly scrappy with both teams struggling to come to terms with the wind.

While the scoreboard might suggest otherwise, the ball was holding up in the breeze and a lot of scoring opportunities missed their mark altogether.

A couple of late goals saw Bomaderry go to the break leading by four goals.

The second term saw the Tigers start to get their running game going, however inaccuracy in front of goal kept the game a lot closer than it should have been. Josh Murphy was marking well and handling the conditions well at one end of the ground, while Toby Allman was doing similar at the other end.

Bomaderry’s defence was proving hard to penetrate, with Allman, Darcy Dugan, Jarryd Sue, Micheal Hoeksema, Lachlan Price and Andrew Pearn combining well and running the ball out of defence to give the forwards plenty of opportunities. Jack Reynolds and Blake Hill were well on top in the ruck and with Paul Posterino, Toby Craig, Pauly Stevenson, Daniel Kemp and Sheldon Varcoe dominating the midfield clearances, the Tigers looked destined to rack up a huge score.

The second half saw Nathan Van Den Borne come into his own, and with Mark Everard and Jack Boxsell creating plenty of options up forward, Bomaderry were simply too strong for the Suns, which it is fair to say, never stopped trying and will only get better with experience.

While this was a good win, players need to realise that against stronger opposition, they won’t get quite as much latitude or time to get rid of the ball, so as much as there was a lot to like, they need to get to training over the next few weeks and really knuckle down if they hope to give themselves any chance of competing in the finals.

A big thanks to Caleb and Sewelly for helping out on the sidelines and well done Dukesy in your first game back.

This week both grades are at home, with reserve grade taking on Ulladulla at Artie Smith Oval at 12.15am in what should be the team’s toughest test so far this season.

Then at 2.10pm first grade take on the old enemy when they clash with Albatross in the main game.

All players are asked to be at the ground at least an hour before the start of their respective games, and unlike last week, the club would appreciate it if the reserves stuck around and supported the seniors and helped out on the sideline where needed.

Awards will be presented in the clubrooms shortly after first grade so please stick around long enough to enjoy a drink and help clean up.

As mentioned last week, the 38th annual WHOOA Cup on August 2 is fast approaching.

So it is time for you to organise your babysitters and round up your family and friends for what is always a great night out and undoubtedly the feature event on the club’s social calendar.

While not compulsory, fancy dress is certainly encouraged, so why not head down to Vinnies or dig through your wardrobes and drag out your Sunday best.

For those among you who have never been to a cup before, make sure to ask around as this is one event you do not want to miss.

Ladies, there is also a presentation to Miss WHOOA 2014 so make sure you dress for the occasion and do not forget to wear a hat.

Cost is $5 a head which includes supper and a race program.

The night kicks off at 6.30pm, so start organising your syndicates and make sure you get there nice and early before the bidding gets under way.

To further add to the occasion, this year the club is holding a past players day on the same day as the WHOOA Cup.

Seeing as 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the club’s double premiership success in 2004 and the 20th anniversary of the 1994 first grade flag, plus 25 years since the club captured its first ever first grade premiership, the committee has done its best to try and contact those players involved and invite them back for the weekend.

So far there has been a fairly positive response and if you know of anyone who was around at the time or you have been involved with the club in any capacity, please feel welcome to pass the word and come along for what should be a great day and night of festivities.

For more information on club activities please contact Sticks on 0403 29 1231.